An important meeting

I received the info. below in email today, and thought I would pass it on in case anyone is interested in this topic.

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The Ocracoke Community Center has been held for this coming Wednesday, 9/3, at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a meeting for those interested in the upcoming Negotiated Rulemaking Committee meeting in Avon on Sept 8 and 9.

I know David Scott and I believe Gene will be able to come.

Agenda-

• Quick background of what the Negotiated Rulemaking Process meetings are suppose to accomplish (for those who are unsure)

• What has happened in the past at the meetings- what has been said-who has spoken

• Explain what is at stake if the community does not get involved, for example-a
"wilderness area" out of South Point is on the table as a starting point

FYI- We already have no sound side access at South Point year round as of Wednesday this past week. It is the only closure in the entire Cape Hatteras Seashore besides the turtle nests hatching.

Since the Spur Road off of South Point no longer goes to the sound and Springer's Point has no parking facility, Ocracoke's only sound side access is limited to above the Pony Pens for clammers, crabbers, kayakers, and families with small children, and those disabled who want to swim in the calmer sound waters, unless they are fortunate enough to own a boat or have waterfront property. Folks who come to Ocracoke, many for 30 plus years, want to be able to enjoy these recreational pursuits, which is reasonable since we are an island.

Most of those folks are parking along Hwy 12 and walking through the marsh or at Prong Road behind the ferry. Or as those with water lots will acknowledge, folks are parking on their lots in the village and accessing the sound across their property.

Access is not just about ORV access, this includes pedestrians. This is not just beach access, this is access to the inlet and sound waters.

• What do interested folks need to do?

Come to the meeting Wednesday
Speak out at the Sept 8 or 9 meeting in Avon
Write a letter to submit at the Sept 8 or 9 meeting
Call or fax Senators and Congressman

Thanks-
Melinda Sutton

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If you are interested in keeping up with what's going on regarding beach access and potential closures, here are a couple of resources for you:

Island Free Press - online newspaper for Hatteras and Ocracoke

Tradewinds Tackle Message Board